In the episode “Day of the Dove” in the series Star Trek: The Original Series an attempt has been made by the writer to demonstrate the dynamics of inter-species relation. The relation is amongst species of comparable sentient character. The story depicts how an external threat can bring two unlikely parties together to face the danger.
Interestingly the time period of the show kept me focused on how related this episode could be to Martin Luther King’s movement of equal rights for the African American population of America. King discussed at length how the normal pejorative connotations of being intellectually dull, culturally rough and ferocity were representation of misconceived social prejudices. Throughout the episode the episode depicts how one alien race lacks the refinements and goodness that is possessed by the other group. This disproportionate distribution of good characteristics is reflective of the essence of the debate that was raging between the camps of the white supremacists and pro-rights supporters.
The episode also stresses on the need for prudent co-operation. This brings in a realistic aspect such as when the United States briefly forgot the Jim Crowe’s laws to focus on Vietnam. This happens when Kirk and Kang declare a ceasefire together to defeat the alien. However the episode also has an unreal element to it. The biggest reason for this is that it would be expected of a show of this period to go beyond the constricting vision of the supremacists to a more liberal and open view; of cherishing equality and dignity.
You seem to be saying in that through "Day of The Dove," the writers of Star Trek are arguing that co-operation is essential for survival and is even facilitated by a threat to those individuals. The main evidence for that argument seems to be the difference in qualities needed for cooperation between the two different races.The argument is timely in the fact that these social divides are present in the world today; however, the MLK Jr. reference is a little out of date. Have you thought about connecting the idea of bonding through threats to a more modern time, such as the collapse of social barriers after big threats such as 9/11 or the beginning of the "War on Terror"--although I realize the muslim population would strongly disagree with that claim. I see those two events connecting because in the days following the threats of terrorism the difference in ethnicity really was non-existent as everyone came together to help out in the face of adversity. Obviously this isn't the best example but try to focus on more present day aspects of threats helping people to cooperate with eachother when they otherwise wouldn't. I believe that analyzing this would be fruitful because much can be accomplished by breaking cultural and socio-economic boundaries but it seems to happen much easier in cases where both populations are facing some sort of threat. Exploring other,most likely better (than 9/11), instances of these cooperations based on threats should be interesting and I'm curious as to what you'll discover.
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